Alpha Males of the Pack (Fidelis)

[Erenthril Mael'tharias]

Mid Kalendryas, Winter, Era XV
Candlemark 1400 – Afternoon

He stood alone on a hillside, a forlorn shadow jutting against the dreary overcast, a lone sentinel that overlooked the surveys of his domain.

The rolling hillside ceased to a flat line, bowing deeply off a precipice and into the sea in the direction in which the Elf looked. Untamed, wild without abandon, the wilderness here lay uncivilized and barren to the works of man. Devoid of the sabotage man had leaked out across Carmelya’s creation for centuries upon centuries, it was a lasting testimony to the perseverance of nature. Erenthril admired it for that.

Well, and also because he owned it.

Fifteen acres, some might argue, wasn’t quite large. Was merely pocket change in the exchange and barter of lands. But for Eren, fifteen acres represented an investment. An investment that, at one time, would house a seventy room mansion with sprawling vineyards and pools. It still held the potential, albeit the idea was lackluster – the ambition had been hit and miss, and the Archmage was now obligated to other ties. Responsibility was both relieving and enslaving all at the same time, an odd paradox, if he ever knew one.

[Fidelis Meridius]

The Empire was a strange place. No matter its vastness and reach, it had always managed to bring the Wolf of Jorel to the near proximity of many interesting people. And even after eras had come and gone, it still managed to reunite even the oddest of acquaintances after they were nearly forgotten.

It seemed that this brightening was no different. Prime Province had become a home of sorts to the blade weidling phenom; especially after his birth into the true realm of Jorel. For the temple hidden within the Khardan was now a fortress at his disposal.

Now Fidelis found himself once again, patrolling the skies of the countryside. From the mount of the onyx pegasus, the Jorelite scoured the rolling hills for way to hone his skills even further as a warrior. But just has he was ready to turn towards the north, the human spotted a speck below... A humanoid form.

Leaning over the flank of Blackwind, the Wolf of Jorel circled the figure below. Who was he, and what was he doing? Curious questions entered the man's mind as he made a descent to further investigate. As the midnight pair slowly circled their way back towards Telath, Fidelis was ready to strike with cold precision in the case that he had stumbled upon yet another foe.

But such was not the case. As he neared the ground, his emerald gaze focused on a familiar visage: Erenthril. He was the elf he had met long ago in Paxia, when a fellowship had gathered for the purpose of discussing the fate of Serion D'rinishad.

Barely an aquaintance of the Elementalist, Fidelis was still caution in his approach, but he had decided that at least a quick word is in order. Raising his right hand, the Swordsman displayed no signs of violence as the mighty pegasus stabbed its hooves into the soil once more. "Serale Erenthril... Do you remember me?"

[Erenthril Mael'tharias]

The whish of air circling high above him was enough cause for concern to look up. Not that he, did really. Not in the physical sense. Dual perception was something he was beginning to familiarize himself with, not that he hadn’t already throughout the eras of training – but in all reality, the extent into which an Archamge could analyze the world around him not through black and white or shades of gray, but through mere patterns or weaves, was enthralling. For instance, Erenthril detected the smidgeon of mist in the clouds high above him. Was shown the highlighted forms of the vis patterns of a human figure, decidedly male, and that of his mount – a Pegasus. Although specifics could not be garnered (this wasn’t DNA, after all), he was content enough to know what to expect before it should be expected, and that upper hand was more than enough in his books regarding the rules of fair play.

Naturally, he didn’t expect Fidelis to be that humanoid, however.

And so a little surprised smile played his lips when Fidelis landed, recognizing the man instantly because he’d been in that little get-together for Serion D’rinishad. Erenthril still hadn’t met Serion, and had only been there because he was willing to play the part for Rilith, whom had been hopelessly in love with Daniel at that time. Secretly, Eren hoped both had been tossed off in a ditch somewhere in regards to how that fiasco had played out.

He sighed and tsked under his lips, before taking a step forward and holding his hand out for a more formal greeting. “Fidelis! Meri…hmm…Meridius, right?” he queried in a light tone; the surprise had quite literally made his day, considering how dismal contemplation tended to be, and reflection was none the more innocent of the two when it came to the brooding matters in the countryside south of here. As he walked over to the human, the ground beneath him elevated slightly, putting him on par with the man mounted upon his steed, and making a handshake all the more plausible.

“What brings you to Chateau Maelv?” he asked, despite the fact there was hardly a chateau in sight. Or any other civilized building, for that matter.

[Fidelis Meridius]

"Keen memory..." The Dark Knight spoke abruptly as he release the reigns of the Pegasus, and then removed the leather glove from his hand. The master swordsman then adjusted his onyx overcoat before leaning forward to the Elf; giving his hand a firm grasp. "Fidelis Meridius is correct..." The warrior grinned as he studying the countryside. "Chateu? My friend, I am afraid that there is nothing here..."

Meeting the visage of Erenthril, emerald orbs studying his aquaintance from the tavern in Paxia. He had many question for the Archmage as well... that is, if he was to trully know who the potential ally was. "I could ask the same of you... I live not far west of here. I tend to fnd myself upon the skies all over the province as of late..."

"Odd that we would meet in such a place... Don't you think?" Fidelis carriend on the conversation once again. The Wolf of Jorel was a very different person the last time they had met, and it was immediately obvious as he picked at the mage's mind; searching for the answer as to why he had found him standing alone in such an empty place.

[Erenthril Mael'tharias]

“Ah, but there was going to be, and that’s all that matters,” Eren winked as he withdrew his hand from the firm grasp, land simultaneously lowering while he was at it till he was back on the regular surface once more. He took a few paces away from the Pegasus – he’d encountered a few in his own life, but never tamed one, especially a black one…although he’d killed one….that was neither here nor there – and crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Leaves little to the imagination, I guess. It was going to go right there, right at that cliff,” he spoke, pointing off across the horizon to the ocean front view some distance away from them. As if on cue, a stone obelisk suddenly sprung forth from the ground, a good ten feet or so high, smooth as silk, marking its place. The Elflord let off a small sigh as he shook his head.

“Odd for you to be here, perhaps. I’m just inspecting my own land. Though to be fair, you were flying above it,” he winked, rolling up the sleeves of his jacket before giving Fidelis a good look over. Still the same as he remembered him, at least on the surface; no doubt both had changed drastically since that last rambunctious meeting.

“You’re still touting around that blade, huh? Find a few uses for it yet, I suspect?” the grin widened expectantly as he scuffed at the ground with his boot, glancing down and then back at the man.

Odd coincidence indeed.

[Fidelis Meridius]

Fidelis shook his head with a light hearted grin. For moment, he had thought the mage to be mad, but as he witnessed Eren's marking spring forth from Telath, he realised that the mage was more gifted than he had given him credit for.

Kicking his leg over the top of the Pegasus, Fidelis leapt from his mount; allowing his knees to bend as the polished boots struck the ground below. Once again, he adjusted his silver lined count and stuffed his gloves into his left pocket. "My reach is pretty far these days, but let's just call this little journey a pleasure cruise..." Which was farely true. Jorel himself had tasked Fidelis with his directives, but this had nothing to do with them... at least not at the moment. For now, the Wolf of Jorel was simply visiting Erenthril for the sake of company.

A few tresses of hair fell forward as the warrior nodded to the mage. "Indeed... they get me out of trouble on occasion..." That was far from the true. Fidelis lived by the blade. They were more at home in his grasp than the sheaths in which they rest. "I see your hokus pokus has become quite impressive..." The Dark Knight jested, "I am not without my own bit of wizardry... But I'm sure I didn't have to tell you that." Although, being an Apprentice Necromancer was hardly anything to brag about.

Crossing his arms, Fidelis looked off to the distant sea, then back to Erenthril. "So when does the construction of ths chateau begin?"

[Erenthril Mael'tharias]

Erenthril almost laughed.

Almost.

His reach was pretty far these days? It was almost eye-roll worthy in the Syl’rosyian Archmage’s big bag of cliché one-liners. Although he held a degree of respect for Fidelis through the sheer audacity of the company they had shared a few seasons past, let alone the esteemed reputation he touted amongst those members, he hardly thought the blood thirsting human to be anything along the lines of subtle. He smirked a bit at the thought, imagining what Danil or Rilith would make of the situation. What an awkward chance meeting…Ioannes had his jokes, after all, and Erenthril figured this to be one like the rest.

“Your arms don’t seem any longer,” he grinned, triumphant for his own witty jest before crossing his own arms and staring at Fidelis for a moment; listening. When the man was finished, Eren did a quick ‘one-two’ check and nodded his head cheerfully. “An apprentice,” he stated, having seen the likes of his vis reservoir quite a bit between all the universities and institutions he’d visited. Visited, but never stayed. Much could be said about his sex life.

He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.

“It began a few brightenings ago, actually. Had to change the location a bit; this wasn’t nearly as secluded. Want to see it?” he asked, before expertly beginning to craft a Master-tiered spell. It took him all of ten seconds, really, for an Elemental Portal to open up alongside them, large enough for Eren, Fidelis, and Pegasus even as he waved his hand towards it lazily. The gesture had been offered….it couldn’t hurt?

[Fidelis Meridius]

"Elves, such smart asses..." Fidelis reminded himself as the Mage jested about his word usage. The warrior shrugged it of with a sly smirk as the pair continued. Even if the Wolf of Jorel was void of hate, he still could have treated such talk as an insult... Had he not known Erenthril previously it may have been different.

Fidelis knew who held the real power in such a case that things escalated violently. The human had faced off with Archmages before. This one would be no different, but it made no difference. Fidelis was not there to fight with his Acquaintance.

"Indeed... Still pretty much useless in application. But Arcana's power is intoxicating I must say." Fidelis once again shrugged as he crossed his arms and observed as Erenthril produced the portal before them. Tilting his head a bit to the side, the swordsman waved his had nonchalantly. "Why not?" The Jorelite was a bit candor as he grabbed the reigns of Blackwind and guided him towards the spell.

[Erenthril Mael'tharias]

OOC:Forgive the poor post Aron, it’s rather late.

Erenthril would have howled in laughter at Fidelis’ thoughts.

“Intoxicating, yes, but thank some blasted deity I can hold my liquor,” Erenthril spoke with a bit of a smirk, watching as the swordsman and his fateful pegasus walked their way to the portal. Slipping in a bit of his own effects, he had the portal actually move towards them. That is to say, the rather hefty warphole appeared to gobble them up as much as they walked into it, giving Fidelis and his steed the impression that they quite literally walked from one place and into another.

As the footfalls came to a stop and Erenthril entered behind them, the trio found themselves upon the second level terrace of what appeared to be a very wealthy, very well kept estate. Erenthril waited silently, waiting for some remark – perhaps a little expectantly, all things considered, but Fidelis was a bit different from the usual awestruck crowd he atypically loitered about with.

Chateau de Maelv stood at the crest of a hill fifty-five acres away from the nearest beacon of civilization, alone and secluded, nestled happily by itself overlooking the Eastern coast of the Great Sea. A small, perfectly laid stoned path of varying size and design was molded neatly to construct a winding road that petered out into the main avenues and highways leading out from Jaedaxia’s northern gate. There were no signs, no markings, and no descriptions that hinted at the bounty that lay at the end of the road; merely a few secluded trees purposely thinned to illustrate that such a path existed, and could be taken for those willing to follow the paved pathway around the bend and through the coastal spruce forests.

The Chateau itself was a blazing example of the empirical might and power its owner possessed; unlike the other Chateaus of old, Chateau de Maelv possessed a unique architectural style never before seen in any modern construction within the Empire. Its design was oddly reminiscent of its owner; softly curved, overhanging stone ceilings and exterior walls of large, ornate glass panes made for an odd and completely unique look, add to the fact that the interior and frontal design was carved completely out of a creative blend of black and white marble, and the esteemed value of the Chateau drifted into the millions. Perched atop a large cliff, the stone inlaid path travelled through a simple cottage-like stone gate with wooden hinges before curving up four large terraces measuring two feet in height each, verdant emerald grass lawns neatly mowed and trimmed to the epitome of precision. A few trees dotted the terraces, as well as a myriad of colorful flowers – even in the depths of winter – while the obtuse monolithic foyer and entry hall opened up for its guests.

Chateau Maelv was similar to that of a shell, with its sloped downward ceilings and smooth accents curving the walls – few straight corners or ninety degree angles existed in this architectural anomaly. It towered above its guests, jutting above the hilltop a staggering three stories tall, with a wine cellar and superlative basement located underneath to serve as the obligatory fourth floor. It boasted an impressive sixty-five thousand square footage of actual living space, comprised in twenty-five rooms. A series of white marble steps led up to the intimidating towering mahogany doors, and seven sets of pillars arched overheard, spiraling all the way up the third floor balcony for added support and grandeur.

The interior itself possessed an impressive twenty five rooms, many of which were centered geometrically around the center point of the Chateau. Several offered beachfront views of the Great Sea and scenic balconies overlooking the crisp ocean waves. A soft waterfall had been enchanted atop the roof of the house and ran off into the sea itself, trickling over the dome of the observatory and down the Eastern side of the Chateau and over the gaping maw of the hangar itself, making for a pleasant and tranquil backdrop to the modern architecture uncommonly placed this far north of the Hinterland. Upon the Chateau’s grounds sas a greenhouse constructed entirely of glass and a menagerie that housed both horses and hunting birds.


The Chateau was the living, breathing example of lavish luxury; quiet money well invested into a large yet cozy abode. The first floor of the Chateau boasted an impressive foyer with two grand stairwells spiraling up to the second floor, complete with a Ball Room to the immediate left and an impressive library to the immediate right. Further within the center of the first floor laid the kitchen and dining room, as well as two rooms allotted for servant tables likewise adjoined and attached. A hallway looped around and gave access to the Drawing Room and Study, as well as an impressive five guest bedrooms often made available to those whom visited. Entry into the wine cellar was also made through a door located at the back of the house, sloping in a downwards accent coupled by a series of stairs. Entry way into the airship hangar and workshop located beneath the Chateau and in the depths of the Cliffside was at the back of the cellar; but no doors hinted at an easy access.

The second floor of the Chateau housed the second study, as well as the balcony that overlooked the Ball Room. Opposite of that was the library’s own second floor, complete with a miniature staircase of lesser proportions than the Grand Hall which bade for easy access up and down the dwelling of knowledge. A center hall that delved into the back of the shell-like design offered entry into the Master Bedroom and the second Drawing Room, as well as an additional four guest bedrooms here where the more prominent guests of the host stayed. A doorway to the back led to the observatory upstairs, currently empty and without equipment – albeit an impressive look at the heavens above, nonetheless.

Dipped in the fondu of lavish tastes, Chateau de Maelv was considered by many to be a smaller representative sample of the luxury the Imperial Palace enjoys, rival to the fabled de Lyles themselves.

[Fidelis Meridius]

OOC: No worries, I don't think posting cures hangovers... But I'll definitely give it a try

IC: Fidelis pulled the winged beast behind him as he entered the portal. In what took only steps, the Jorelite had found himself halfway across the empire. Having the ability to fly as a means of travel was nice, but having the ability to traverse the world within footsteps was amazing.

Stepping out of the portal, the Wolf of Jorel gazed out upom the surroundings. If he had to guess, they were quite a distance north of their previous location. A dry smirk tightened the warrior's lips. It was a nice place, but Fidelis had very little care for things of luxury. Perhaps he was quite a bit simpler, but he couldn't deny enjoying some of the finer things from his new lair within the mountains. It was there he was treated like a king.

Although it would seem that he would be treated like a royal guest as well. "I see your pocket book suites your tastes..." Fidelis jested.Erenthril was very obviously rich. But Fidelis had never known a poor archmage, and he didn't expect an elf to be the first. "So you mean to tell me that this place doesn't suite you, so you need another one?" The human laughed as he placed his hands on his hips. This elf wasn't all that bad. He was hungry for power like anyone else, and if such were the case the mere aquaintances could have a lot more to talk about.

[Erenthril Mael'tharias]

Erenthril grinned.

“Not quite…the opposite actually. That place over in Primus didn’t suit me; this one did. Welcome to Chateau de Maelv Fidelis Meridius; you’re on fifty-five acres of uncivilized land and my own personal residence. Vesphyia here will tend to your Pegasus,” he spoke nonchalantly, before casting a sidelong gaze just to Fidelis’ right.

At first, there seemed to be no one there. And then, all within a matter of seconds, something actually materialized out of the thin air that was there. Not that the air had shifted or relocated; merely, had gathered into that of a form. Like a gentle breeze, the space there had taken up the gentle mirage of an elven maiden, an air elemental, more particularly, and she lightly brushed her slender hands over Fidelis’ mount. Particles of small dust and flower petals swirled within her figure, redefining her outer curves, giving her shape and visibility to what would otherwise be the sheer epitome of invisibility to the swordsman.

“But yes. Suits my pocket books, more or less. I don’t know a single dwelling in the Empire that has glass walls,” he spoke quietly, before turning and walking up the terraces a bit and onto a large stone path. It plowed straight up to the foyer of the mansion, three white marble steps and seven monolithic pillars later. They dwarfed the pair, quite literally, and thrust out towards the sky, supporting the third floor balcony which was really some four or five stories high. “Your Pegasus will be in good hands…I have a menagerie just over there, see,” he spoke, his own arm flinging out towards a small stable none too far away and located on the first terrace. It was next to, but somewhat below, a glass greenhouse adjacent to the Chateau which was on the third terrace. “I’d let it come inside, but I’d really think it inappropriate,” he grinned before opening up the humongous gigantic mahogany doors. Surprisingly, they didn’t require much effort from the slim Elf.

Just inside was a brief opening that had several potted plants in view, ranging from ivies to various types of herbs. Just beyond that, the white marble flooring took on a shade of black, an impressive transition that seemed wholly natural – something any architect or mason would be hard pressed to replicate – just as two magnificent giant stairwells sprung up and spiraled in a slight semi-circle towards the second floor. Erenthril walked into the center of the main hall and turned around. “Can I get you anything to drink? Wine, maybe?” he offered, ever the benevolent host.

[Fidelis Meridius]

"Admittedly, my tastes are quite different..." The human would have been referring to the fact that he had far more enemies than friends... He'd prefer something a little more defensible. Although, the warrior still had his wits about him. He knew that the archmage was probably more than capable of fending of an army from his home if necessary.

Leaving Blackwind behind him, Fidelis followed along side his host. Had he known his little pleasure cruise around the skies of prime province was going to bring him to his acquaintance's lavish home, he would have felt more inclined to bring the Oracle, Havina. Afterall, he had no idea how long it had been since the master necromancer had left the Temple.

"I don't tend to worry about Blackwind too much. He's learned to take care of himself..." The Jorelite gave Erenthril a sly look as the made their way through the foyer.

After entering into the main hall, Fidelis gave a rolling glance over the room, looking from left to right as he followed the two staircases with his eyes. "A drink?" The Wolf's tongue salivated a bit. Of course he wanted a drink. "Why not? I don't expect to find I'll find a bad drink here if I tried..." Fidelis jested as he waited for his host to lead the way once more.

OOC: Posts are a bit dry these days... hopefully that didn't put you to sleep :P